Meet Newton!

Newton’s a quiet fellow. He doesn’t ask for much ... just a little attention and to be noticed ... a kind word when you come visit. In the presence of majestic tigers, a larger-than-life camel, and tumbling bears Newton might feel just a bit overlooked. So this is Newton’s day in the sun.

Newton was purchased by an animal lover when he was 4-6 months old. She had spotted the calf in a makeshift pen in a field alongside a busy road in Newton, NJ and was concerned. He had a tiny fenced in area and small shed, but the situation seemed odd. It turns out that the man who owned the calf, concerned about reports of mad cow disease, had decided to raise his own beef. He’d mistakenly purchased a Holstein, a dairy calf, rather than a beef calf. The animal lover's offer to buy the youngster was accepted, and soon Newton arrived at Popcorn Park.

Newton’s now about 4 years old and is quite a big boy - between 5’ and 6’ at the shoulders and weighs about 1,100 pounds. He is currently by himself in his area, but does have an emu next to him, and they often hang out together at the fence for company which both seem to enjoy. Newton occasionally has a boomer ball to amuse him, but it’s not the kind of entertainment typically enjoyed by cows.

Newton’s real fun happens when his two favorite staff members, Bill and Jeff, come to clean his pen and feed him. Once they enter, the games begin! And by games, we mean chase the zoo staff. Although Newton is not outright aggressive, his play is very rough due to his size. So what may be a bit of fun for Newton actually turns out to be something akin to “The Running of the Bulls” in Forked River. No need to go to Spain, for this event - just come to Popcorn Park at cleaning and feeding time!!

And if you can’t make it here for his festivities, you can sponsor Newton and get regular updates!